Patna: A trial run on the DDU–Gaya rail section saw a train reach 176 kmph, marking a step towards faster rail connectivity in the region.
A high-speed trial run on the DDU–Pradhankhanta rail section via Gaya saw a train reach speeds of up to 176 kmph, officials said, in what is being viewed as a step towards faster rail operations in eastern India.
The trial was conducted by East Central Railway, with senior officials, including general manager Chhatrasal Singh, on board to assess track performance and safety systems.
According to officials, the trial train was equipped with monitoring systems to evaluate track stability, signalling and infrastructure readiness at high speeds. The run was conducted in both directions, first from Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) to Pradhankhanta via Gaya, and then on the return route.
Railway authorities had earlier indicated that the train would be tested at speeds of up to 180 kmph as part of efforts to upgrade the corridor for high-speed operations.
पूर्व मध्य रेल द्वारा रेल परिचालन के क्षेत्र में उल्लेखनीय उपलब्धि हासिल करते हुए आज डीडीयू से प्रधानखांटा की ओर विशेष ट्रेन द्वारा स्पीड ट्रायल किया जा रहा है।पूर्व मध्य रेल में प्रथम बार अधिकतम 180 किमी/घंटा तक की गति के साथ स्पेशल ट्रेन परिचालित की जा रही है।#Achivements… pic.twitter.com/2KBcG2XlzZ
— East Central Railway (@ECRlyHJP) March 25, 2026
The public was advised to stay away from tracks during the trial, with officials warning against trespassing or allowing livestock near railway lines. Instructions at level crossings were also to be strictly followed.
Separately, a speed trial was conducted on the Majhaulia–Bettiah section in the Samastipur division following the completion of line doubling work. Trains were run at speeds of 110 to 120 kmph during the inspection.
Officials said the trials are part of a broader plan to enhance rail infrastructure and enable faster services, including semi-high-speed trains such as Vande Bharat.
A similar trial conducted earlier on the Dhanbad–Gaya–DDU section had achieved speeds of up to 160 kmph.
Railway authorities said the latest test on the Grand Chord section is expected to help increase permissible speeds in the future, potentially reducing travel time for passengers across key routes in Bihar and adjoining regions.
